I could use some of your thoughts and prayers ***UPDATE*** 10-2-08 post #16

[Moesha]

I've never experience any problems like you are describing, but my brother had ingrown nails that he had surgically removed. He didn't have a nail fungus though, so I don't know how much that complicates things. What they did for him, was to go down and remove the nail root at the sides of his toes, where it would become ingrown. He was able to keep the rest of his toenails though. He said that the first shot to numb the foot was the worst part but he didn't feel anything after that. And that the whole procedure was well worth not having ingrown toenails anymore. I don't recall how long he had the bandage on his toes though. It has been several years ago. Perhaps you could wear shoes with larger toe boxes, like crocs, while you are healing. I always try to get shoes with wide or very round toe boxes. That helps prevent your toes being smashed in shoes and increasing the chances of ingrown toenails.

I have also heard of soaking feet in either vinegar or Listerine to help get rid of nail fungus. It can take several weeks or a few months to get rid of it completely. Although from what I have heard about the anti-fungal medicines, you have to take them for several weeks also and have your liver checked, since they can cause liver problems.

[Karen]

You will probably not want to wear closed shoes for a few days at least. If this will be an issue at work, ask your doctor to write a note. In fact, if you have some sandals that keep your toes free, try to find another shoe you can wear on the other foot that's the same height heel if it's gonna be cold weather.

You'll likely not feel a thing after the initial shot. When the anesthesia wear off, it'll probably ache for a few days, but I doubt it will hurt nearly as much as it does now. Make sure you follow all the post-op instructions to the letter, as feet are a long way from the heart, so can be problematic in terms of circulation. It will SOOOO be worth it, though. Imagine - walking without pain. Isn't that a happy thought?

[RICHARD]

If you find a shoe-sometimes they will give you a shoe/sandal that is made of hard rubber/plastic and has blue velcro straps to secure it to your foot- Make sure you have some powder to put on the bottom of your foot and area where your sole touches the bed of the sandal.

The bed of the shoe had a LOT OF GRIP and if you walk around on it starts to feel like your calluses are being pulled off the bottom of your feet. I really feels nasty and hurts.

Another thing is that you do not realize how many times you bump your foot during the day so be really careful!

Good Luck.

[Grace]

I had an ingrown toe nail removed several years ago. Once the toe was numb, I truly did not feel any pain.

It was warm weather so I just wore my Birkies as usual - kept a loose band aid on when out of the house. I don't remember needing anything stronger than ASA or Motrin for the pain.

[K9karen]

I finally gave in to the torture of an ingrown toenail years ago and saw a podiatrist. The worse part was the d*** needle, which I hate anyway. (They say digit pain, injections are always the worse). Beside that, I felt nothing. It was worth it, really. I got permission to wear sneakers to work for a few days.

I have fungus on my right 3 toes. No clue how I got it, but it's been years. My podiatrist advised NOT taking the prescription drugs, as they don't always work and can have dangerous side effects on the liver. My family doc gave me a local cream to use 2x a day and it started to work after a while, until I kept forgetting to use it. None of the docs knew the reason for the fungus. it may be from decades of wearing nylons, socks....anything that keeps your feet aired out. I think I'm the only one that really notices it.

How'd your appointment go????

[Grace]

I finally gave in to the torture of an ingrown toenail years ago and saw a podiatrist. The worse part was the d*** needle, which I hate anyway. (They say digit pain, injections are always the worse). Beside that, I felt nothing. It was worth it, really. I got permission to wear sneakers to work for a few days.

I have fungus on my right 3 toes. No clue how I got it, but it's been years. My podiatrist advised NOT taking the prescription drugs, as they don't always work and can have dangerous side effects on the liver. My family doc gave me a local cream to use 2x a day and it started to work after a while, until I kept forgetting to use it. None of the docs knew the reason for the fungus. it may be from decades of wearing nylons, socks....anything that keeps your feet aired out. I think I'm the only one that really notices it.

How'd your appointment go????

Have you ever tried PENLAC? It's a fungal treatment that you apply like nail polish. I had a fungal infection once, and my MD prescribed it. Worked great!!

[Catlady711]

Thank you all for the support! It's always nice to know there are people who help make you feel better when you really need it.

I'm def. more nervous about the numbing injections rather than what they'll do after that. I was fine when they did the stitches in my finger once it was numb, but the getting there had me screaming and hyperventilating. *shivers* Actually I'm planning on taking my camera so I can get a couple pix for myself of whatever they do. Wonder how they'll take that from someone who screams over an injection? LOL

The appt with the specialist isn't until 2p.m. this Thursday.

For those of you that have had a toenail removed before, did it grow back? Did you have problems with it again if it did?

[Catty1]

I haven't had this, but have had mild nail fungus...heard that Vick's works great and have used that. It worked.

BUT...gotta do a few more rounds now.

[Grace]

For those of you that have had a toenail removed before, did it grow back? Did you have problems with it again if it did?

Absolutely it grew back; and no, no further problems with it. If there is a fungal infection in the nail bed that would have to be treated, of course.

[K9karen]

Have you ever tried PENLAC? It's a fungal treatment that you apply like nail polish. I had a fungal infection once, and my MD prescribed it. Worked great!!

No I haven't. I think my girlfriend used that..the nailpolish part sounds right. She said it worked great too, She used it as the podiatrist kept cutting off the nail. Her feet are beautiful and gets pedicures now!!!

I wrote this down and will ask the doc. Thanks Grace!!